Pope Francis Clears John Paul II For Sainthood

Pope Francis has cleared John Paul II for sainthood, approving a miracle attributed to his intercession.

Pope John Paul II (Hulton Archive/Getty Images)

Francis also decided Friday to canonize another pope, John XXIII, even though there has been no second miracle attributed to his intercession. The Vatican said Francis approved a decision by cardinals and bishops.

The ceremonies are expected before the end of the year. The date of Dec. 8 has been floated as a possibility, given it's the feast of the Immaculate Conception, a major feast day for the church.